Instalment 12 (1895)
Scene 1: Japan; Shimonoseki
In Shimonoseki, preparations are made for Li Hongzhang’s arrival and the upcoming negotiations. The Japanese hosts are very courteous and obliging. After Li’s arrival, a few polite words are exchanged. But then, the Japanese present their far-reaching demands which Li promptly rejects outraged.
Scene 2: Japan; at Li Hongzhang’s domicile in Shimonoseki
After the end of the first day of negotiations, Li returns to his lodgings. He is still very upset and reacts violently when the servant brings in Japanese (and not Chinese) tea. Li moans that even in its most glorious and powerful phases, China never thought of threatening Japan. Whereas Japan, the moment it has strengthened sufficiently, loses no time and attacks China.
Scene 3: British embassy in China
At the same time, and in order to avoid a Japanese takeover of Taiwan, Chinese officials offer the British ambassador a lease on Taiwan. But in view of the diplomatic complications such a lease would hold at this time, the ambassador declines the offer.
A group of influential officials headed by Weng Tonghe is defaming Li Hongzhang. On the streets, fear of a possible attack on Beijing has broken out. People are hotly debating political questions.
Since her move to the new Summer Palace, Cixi has retired from politics and left the decision making to the emperor. She refuses to deal with any kind of petition. Even when the emperor approaches her with an urgent request to aid him in settling the peace negotiations, she just leaves him to take a walk, letting him stand all on his own. The emperor airs his grievances to Weng Tonghe who again attempts to use the situation to request Li Hongzhang’s replacement.
Japanese Prime Minister Itô Hirobumi calls on Li Hongzhang in Li’s lodgings. They talk about Li’s upbringing and Chinese history. Itô demonstrates respect for Li and for the Chinese culture. But he also appears very concerned about his own portrayal in later history. – During the next day of negotiations, the discussions grow into a proper fight and the talks are cut short. Li is thereupon brought back to his lodgings in a chauffeured car. Meanwhile, Itô Hirobumi and Mutsu Munemitsu retire to play a game of Go and discuss that due to economic reasons Japan cannot continue the state of war for much longer. – Li’s journey home, however, turns into a gauntlet. When Li’s car comes to a halt after a small incident, Li is attacked by an assassin. When this news reaches Itô Hirubumi he is shocked and disgusted at such exaggerated patriotism, which also unnecessarily obstructs the ongoing negotiations. Later, the Japanese negotiators pay their respects to the injured Li. Li, however, declines their apologies.
During an audience the Tennô learns of the assassination attempt and demands immediate investigation of the matter. When the discussion moves on to the topic of the reparations, the Tennô demands that the money ought to be used to further the education of the common people. Moreover, he sends a bandage, which has been made by the empress herself, as a gift to Li to express his condolence and regret.
In order to recover, Li has retired to a temple where he is being cared for. His son’s Japanese in-laws come to pay their respect but Li refuses to greet them. Finally, a letter reaches Li informing him of the precarious situation in China.
The next day of negotiations only brings more fights. Although the Japanese have made concessions following the assassination attempt, the demands are still back-breaking. Li, who is clearly weakened, is literally begging for more concessions from the Japanese. He even tries to persuade them by using his advanced age as moral pressure. But it is all rejected. Finally, he is left with no choice but to yield to the demands and sign the treaty draft under tears.
The emperor and the officials are devastated when they read the treaty. Cixi again refuses to grant an audience to the emperor who is reigning on his own now nominally. Instead, she complains about his lack of independence.
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